It’s that time of year again! The first day of fall is tomorrow, which means gorgeous fall colors, warm knits, and boots. Back to school vibes always inspire shopping, even though it has been quite a while since I last had a first day of school! In celebration, I decided to put together a list of my 12 for 2012 fall collection.

1. Colored and printed skinnies

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The bright denim of spring and summer has transitioned into darker colors. Jewel tones, mustard, grey, there are so many great options here. Maroon (also a huge color trend) and purple are definitely my favorites, and I picked up a pair of these Mossimo Skinny Premium Denim skinnies that I found at target in both two colors. At under $30/pair, no reason not to get both!

Just like colored, printed denim is still going strong. I found these adorable snakeskin skinnies at Target. The perfect way to try out the trend without a big investment. More options with brocade (two trends in one!) here and floral skinnies here and here.

2. Boots

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I have a love-hate relationship with boots. I absolutely adore them, but due to my “athletic” calves (they’re 16″), I’ve always struggled to find a pair that will fit. I’ve finally been able to slowly build up a great collection, but it is always incredible frustrating when I see cute boots that I’ll never be able to wear.

This season I finally decided to invest in the Stuart Weitzman ’50 50′ boot. Because of the stretchy back panels, they mold perfectly over my calves, and the leather feels like butter.

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I also picked up my first Frye boots this season. I was so excited to find out that they make the Veronica slouch in the wide calf version (here is the regular). Incredibly comfortable, fits my calves, and is perfect with both skirts and with jeans/leggings.

3. Scarves

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I adore scarves (in Seattle I even wear them year-round), and just like boots, they just feel like fall. I have quite a substantial collection, but when I see a fabulous scarf it’s just hard to resist making an addition. Simple bright colors like this Love Quotes one from Shopbop (I ended up getting a darker pink color which is no longer available) helps bring sunshine into dreary gray fall days.

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A fun, printed scarf is the perfect touch for a simple outfit of jeans and a white tee. I love this map of the world scarf from Nordstrom that I just picked up.

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4. Cardigans and blazers

Cardigans and blazers are perfect fall layering pieces. Inspired by Amy, I picked up a mustard version of my favorite Target cardigan.

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For blazers, go for a classic knit like this cute black one from Target, or play more with patterns with this floral blazer from Nordstrom BP. Nordstrom BP is definitely one of my favorite places to shop for blazers, they’re reasonable priced and so cute!

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5. Patterned tights

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Just like patterned pants, patterned and colored tights are still right on trend. You can go crazy with patterns or colors, or do a slightly more muted version like these

6. Military-inspired pieces

Once again, military-inspired style is a big fall trend. One of my girlfriends just introduced me to need supply.com, and I found this fabulous Lorimer jacket.

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I also adore this Topshop camo jacket from Nordstrom. The faux fur lining is removable, so it will be a perfect transition piece.

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7. Leather

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Leather is absolutely huge this fall. Luckily there are tons of options (both real and faux) in tops, skirts, and leggings. Pencil skirts in leather or with leather panels/accents. If you don’t want to splurge for the “real deal,” leather accents or faux leather are perfect substitutes. I love my new skirt (unfortunately unavailable), but there are similar options here and here.

Or, you can try leather leggings, like these or these. The proper styling with leather pieces is key, but they can easily be toned down (especially for non-conservative offices).

8. Lace

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Gotta love lace. Lace is definitely a classic, and yet it is more on trend than ever this fall. It pairs perfectly with your military inspired pieces or leather tops or bottoms.

I paired this Sanctuary skirt with my boots and a tank here, and it is perfect to dress up or down:

You can also try a lace top like this (super flattering on!), this, or this.

9. Peplum

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I recently started experimenting with peplum. It will stay strong through the fall, and is surprisingly flattering on a variety of body types. Peplum is a short overskirt that’s attached to a jacket, top, skirt, or dress. The great peplum benefit is the defined waist.

Asos is currently my favorite “peplum source,” but there are tons of options out there. I recently picked up this top in black

11. Animal print

Animal print is a classic (just make sure to only wear one piece per outfit), and leopard is definitely my animal of choice. I love my leopard print heels, flats, and scarf (similar here, here, and here), and this season I also picked up a leopard print skinny belt (similar here).

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12. A fabulous tote

I love a great tote. They’re the perfect bag for fall (back to school!) especially in a rich jewel tone. I love my new Steven by Steven Madden purple tote

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With fall rainy weather, a stylish nylon tote can be the perfect option for commuting. I’m also obsessed with my new Lulu om tote, which works just as well for taking to work and going to the gym or a yoga class.

We spent a fun-filled last weekend down in southern California to celebrate Nick’s brother’s and sister’s birthdays (as well as mine, which was on Monday). We had a really great time celebrating and hanging out with family.

With Seattle’s heat wave, I decided to wear a jersey knit skirt instead of leggings for the flight on Friday. Unknowingly, my sister and I completely coordinated down to our denim jackets and pink scarves! To keep it comfy for the flight, I wore my new James Perse skirt with a Bailey 44 top, jean jacket, lightweight pink scarf, and flip flops.

I started off Saturday with an awesome run on the beach. These were the killer views from my run! I love running on the sand, it’s such a great workout, and there’s nothing like running alongside the waves.

Saturday day we helped prep for the party, and spent some time just laying out and enjoying the sunshine. I wore my swimsuit all day, but wore another jersey skirt and top over the top.

Nick changed before I had a chance to get ready, so we snapped a fun picture on the patio!

Swimsuit: Victoria Secret

Then, party time! The party was Vegas themed complete with blackjack, poker, and roulette tables, so I wore a Vegas style little black dress with my anniversary sale Pedro Garcia booties. I went for gold jewelry with lots of gold bracelets and bangles and simple hoop earrings.

Dress – Shopbop, Booties – Pedro Garcia from Nordstrom

Sunday was another morning run on the beach!

Then, we headed to 3 Thirty 3 for breakfast burritos and a bloody mary’s. Their breakfast burritos are amazing. You pick everything you want in them, and they made mine tortilla-less. The make-your-own bloody mary bar is also fantastic. They bring you a cup with vodka, ice, and salt on the rim, and then there are tons of hot sauces, spices, tomato juice mix, and veggies that you can combine to make it exactly how you like it. I wore my new Bailey 44 dress and wedges, and accessorized with my birthday present from Nick’s sister, a selection of adorable gold bangles including one with an “E.”

Dress – Bailey 44 from Neiman Marcus, Wedges – DVF from Zappos

Finally, today we headed home. We had a 7am flight, so needed something to just throw on and go. I wore the same jacket and scarf that I wore for the flight down with a white top and my wonder under crop leggings.

On Saturday, I participated in the Take Steps – Be Heard walk for Crohn’s and Colitis, on my good friend Rachel’s team. It was pretty low key, but definitely for a good cause. Since I was also cleaning for most of the day, I wore my Lulu Wunder Under crops and Scuba print hoodie (similar).

Then on Saturday night we had a great dinner party with friends.

Two of my Sunday outfits revolved around a 50’s themed murder mystery party thrown by Rachel. I was playing the part of a 50s teenager, so I wore Oxford flats, cuffed jeans, a white button down, a yellow cardigan tied around my shoulders, and then wore my hair up in a pony-tail with a scarf tied around it.

In the morning we went shopping and to the Louis Vuitton store to see if they could repair the zipper on my wallet. I was incredibly impressed with their customer service. They repaired the wallet for free, and it took them under an hour! I wore my cuffed jeans, my white splendid tee with button rolled sleeves, black flats, and the scarf tied around my head.

At Nordies, I picked up my “waist under 28 inches” reward! I give myself “rewards” in 3 different categories, pounds lost, inches lost around my waist, and number of workouts. It is also a great way to keep my shopping in check! I got a pair of tan Minnetonka moccasins (I have grey ones, but they are too big! I ended up sizing down a full size.) and a new black Diesel watch.

I don’t actually own a white button down, so I decided to steal one of Nick’s. It actually fit well (with the sleeves rolled up) and looked cute! I may have to raid his closet more often….After the party I kept on the shirt, and wore my new moccasins and new watch!

More leopard yesterday! I love scarves for their ability to take a simple outfit like jeans and a sweater to the next level. I love scarves even more when they’re animal print (the only thing better would be skulls from McQueen)!

These Rock and Republic jeans were actually a Costco purchase, before they were bought out by Kohl’s, but likely while the deal was in process.

Anytime I’m getting ready for a trip, I like to wear as many outfits that I’ve planned out as possible. That way I can make sure that everything’s comfortable, fits great, and looks cute while I still have my full wardrobe at home to work with.

On Saturday I decided to wear a potential travel outfit. I paired my new wunder under leggings with my new motorcycle boots, a tan tunic, a white sweater, and a big chunky scarf. Ever since leggings came back into vogue, they’ve been my travel attire of choice. They look cute, and are incredibly comfortable. Basically, it feels like I’m traveling in pjs!